Kootenay Cowboys – 2

Another day with Nick and Devon.  I’m on ground crew…again (which is a bummer as it’s kind of a stellar day for heli.  Would you believe that Kinrade hasn’t done this drop before this week?).

 

Given that the road goes up so much higher now, it’s really not a big deal.  Still, would have been a nice morning for a flight. 

At least Schooly D isn’t here to punch me in the butt through the tailings piles.

What a great day, and another couple of great shredders to ride with.  The Kootenays are a steep and gnarly place, and it was fun to rip with some more bros that appreciate that side of the sport.

Good times, and more to come.

Kootenay Cowboys – 1

Just a couple of clients through for 2 days.  A couple of geologist/engineer execs on a BC singletrack odyssey, and man did they hit the jackpot.

After some epic rain from the past 36 hours, the trails were tacky and still a bit dusty under the thicker canopy.  Up high, it was all hero…

Cory and Trevor (resident trail builders) took some time off grubbing in the loam to bang a few laps.

The mountains are so steep, and the trees so tall here, your field of view gets really crowded.  Here’s a shot that gives a sense of how big things are in this part of BC. Although that particular rider is a bit small in real life…

Some more time on the train near the top of the Kessel Run.

After a couple of Kessel’s, it was time to head up to the Monster.  That trail will scare the p**s outta ya.

Nice views on top of the Monster…

Alright, you’re the Kings of the World!

Another cool group shot, with Loki lurking in the background

Time for the postcard shots…

Here’s a great illustration of the difference between a good rider and a pro.  I banged these shots off without really looking, holding my camera AND my phone at the same time.  Good shots of the boys, but Kinrade nails it.  The camera just loves certain people.

Another super solid day with a nice finish on the beach in Kaslo.

1st Retallack Trip Wind Down

The boys are TIRED today.  Well, except for our token Canadian, Anton.  He’s been jogging between laps to stay focused.

After 2 runs on Idaho Peak, a few laps on the Kessel Run, and a full Powerslave, this morning was devoted to getting full value out of the trip with more laps on Kessel.  I think Anton (below) managed 4 before lunch and his imminent departure.

Katrina was also not shy about getting her fill of the Retallack terrain.  And I quote:

"What an epic time at Retallack Lodge. Literally face shots of loam. Best DH laps of my life, no exaggeration. So good!"

So we shut down this first Kootenay trip with this parting shot of the Selkirk Mountains.

Later that afternoon the lodge staff (myself, Amber, Matt, Kia, and Havoc) went for a hike into those peaks in the background.  Like an idiot, I didn’t take my camera, but whatever you can imagine, it was even more epic than that.

A rest day is in my future, and then more Kootenay singletrack with some Albertans.